1st gen leveling

So I’ve searched the forums but can’t find any answers for what I specifically need.
I have an 04 double cab 4wd. I recently replaced all of the suspension with oems (or at least the stock size), including front coils. I replaced the rear leafs with general springs hds which have added elevation to the back. As I currently sit, the rear is about 2.5” higher than the front. No issues with driving but I would like it to be closer to level.

I’m wondering if the standard leveling kits that can be found online to elevate it anywhere from 1-2” would work for appearance’s and function’s sake. I’m talking about the spacers like these:

$37 2" FRONT Leveling Lift Kit for 1995-2004 TACOMA 4 RUNNER,2" Forged Front Strut Spacers Leveling Kits

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMZZB67F

I know lots of people say the bilstein 5100s or thereabouts are the best solution. But since my suspension is new and works fine for me, I’d rather not. But I also don’t want to ruin any of my suspension components. I road drive 95% of the time. Very light off roading in sand or mud only to get to certain areas. Nothing serious.

I’m attaching photos in the comments to show the difference in the rear and front as well as the height I have on the studs of my springs.

Major thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to respond.

 

Differences in front and back, whole truck, stud length

 

Normally one measures height from the center of the hub to the fender.

If your suspension is indeed new, drive it around for a good 2,000 - 4,000 miles and allow the rear leaf pack to settle.

I've installed several for other members and it normally takes a few months of driving until they settle another inch or so.

 

I’ve been driving it on this current set up for a few months. According to the odometer I’ve been just over 2k miles.

 

I’ll continue to let it settle. Buttt while I’m waiting.. have you installed any kind of spacer style leveling kits? If so, which ones can you vouch for?

 

There is no real "magic number" of miles, some leaf packs settle faster than others so it won't hurt to wait a bit longer.

And sorry I do not have any recommendations myself as I've only used adjustable shocks up front to match the rear.

 

Weight in the rear helps vs driving 2k without any weight such as camper shell etc. weight will help the leaf settle faster.

spacers are spacers. You can pay top $$$ and will function as those that cost 40 buck

 

So, I should sit in the bed of a truck next time I replace a leaf pack?

 

Yea. As long as you’re willing to sit there for 2 months. Haha

 

ok so let’s say my leaf springs have settled and I still need 1-2” of lift in the front. Is there a magic number not to go over before it starts messing up cv axel boots or anything else in there? Are there certain brands that sit on the struts without any fine tuning?

 

2” is my recommendation

 

2" was perfect for me, not too much stress on CVs and cleared 33x10s while still being level (Bilstein 6112 front and 5160 rears)

 

Which 2” spacers did you use?

 

Have you installed 2” spacers on a 1st gen? If so, which spacers and how easy was the install?

 

that depends on your mechanical skill and access to tools. If you were to ask me, I would say it’s a 1 out of 10 job because I service vehicle. But might be a 10 out of 10 for someone else.

Removed tire
Remove LBJ bolt x4
Loosen LCA cam bolt
Removed nut and pull cv out of hub, leave cv in place
Remove TRE
Remove bottom bolt/nut & 3 nut on coilover
Pull CO out, place spacer on top of coilover and reuse old nut to tighten down
Put coilover back in and reverse the removal step

~30min per side

 

How about some adjustable front shocks. Do you really want to use spacers? <launch debate>

 

thanks so much! I guess I need to make sure I have 2” extra on top of my current coil over strut before buying a 2” spacer to put on it, right? This was very helpful.

 

What OE equivalent front suspension did you go with?

 

negative. Spacer is placed above the top hat/mount

 

I wouldn’t call them OE equivalent, but they’re from rock auto, the FCS 1336325.